Kyle Academy: 25 February 2009

Feb 27 2009

THE SCHOOL extends a warm welcome to Miss Anderson, who has taken up her position as principal teacher of religious, moral and citizenship education. Miss Anderson was previously acting PT RME at Duncanrig Secondary School in East Kilbride.

THANK you to everyone who responded to our recent survey of parents’ and carers’ views. The results have now been collated and will inform our planning for improvement next session.

The following strengths were identified by parents (ie, where over 90 per cent of parents agreed with the following statements): Their child enjoys learning at school; their child is progressing well with their learning; their child is treated fairly in school; their child feels of safe in school; the school is well led; and overall I am happy with the school. A more detailed report, including points for action, will be provided in the family news bulletin.

Similar surveys have been completed to evaluate pupil and staff views to inform improvement planning.

THE NUMERACY Impact Group, led by Mr McKenna, teacher of mathematics, have been working hard to develop a more consistent approach to the teaching of numeracy skills across the school. They have developed guidelines for all staff on a range of teaching strategies associated with numeracy skills. They have also conducted an audit of the curriculum to identify where and when numeracy skills are covered in other departments. This will enable them to review existing courses to ensure that they are deepening pupil learning across the whole school. Two cross-curricular projects have also been planned to reinforce this learning across several departments and to support pupils in applying and appreciating the relevance of these skills in other subject contexts.

Work continues with the associated primary schools to develop a consistent approach to teaching literacy across the cluster and all subject departments. Staff in all departments have also had the opportunity to consider how they will deliver the new literacy outcomes (in the context of the Scottish Government’s educational reform programme entitled Curriculum for Excellence). All departments will be involved in ensuring that pupils achieve these outcomes. Miss McWhirter, teacher of English, will provide training for staff in March, which focuses in the first instance on research and presentation skills.

A NEW puzzle club is being offered by Mrs Dick, teacher of mathematics, for first and second year pupils at lunchtime on Thursdays. Please see Mrs Dick if you want to take part.

GIRLS’ football is back on the menu of extra-curricular activities. The first training session took place on February 25 after school. All female pupils welcome to attend.

MISS Wilson has set up a new volleyball club for girls. This will take place after school on Wednesdays. All welcome

AFTER two years of hard work, fourth year music students undertook their final SQA music practical examination on Friday, February 20. Fifth and sixth year examinations will take place on Thursday, February 26.

ALL third year pupils will also have a special conference in early March on learning about study skills to assist in their preparations for their formal examinations which will begin on Wednesday, April 22.

Staff also took part in a training session provided by two probationer teachers, Miss McCormack and Dr Mohan, on Learning About Learning on the recent in-service day.

THE SECOND week of work experience for fourth year pupils will begin on Monday, March 2.

THE KYLE Parents Association will be holding their annual wine tasting evening for parents on Friday, March 10. Tickets are now on sale from the school office at a cost of £10. This price includes the opportunity to taste seven types of wine and enjoy a buffet. Four members of staff will make presentations on their selected wine prior to tasting. These are Mr Millar, teacher of geography and modern studies; Mr McKenna, teacher of mathematics; Mr Sargent, classroom assistant, and PC Munn. Parents are currently being identified to provide presentations as well. Please come along for a fun evening which will also help to raise funds for the school.